Stemmer turns in his badge

More than 40 years in law enforcement can test the soul from time to time, Utica police Deputy Chief Richard Stemmer explained on the eve of his retirement Saturday.

ROCCO LaDUCA

Utica police Deputy Chief Richard Stemmer knows more than 40 years in law enforcement has tested his soul from time to time, as such a career does for most police officers.

Friendly bonds with the community may be a rewarding aspect of police work, but it is the more sinister side of human nature that truly serves as a reminder of why police do what they do, 64-year-old Stemmer explained on the eve of his retirement Saturday after nearly 43 years with the department.

“You have to deal with evil people, and sometimes you are exposed to things that are very hard to understand and to make compassionate sense of when you see victims mistreated by people that do not care who they hurt,” Stemmer said.

“So as a police officer, you have to maintain a mental courage knowing you're doing the best you can to protect those who can't protect themselves,” he said. “And at times, that can test your soul.”

First homicide case
As Stemmer looked back at a career that began in 1965, he recalled how his first homicide investigation affected both him and the community.

In October 1975, 18-year-old Robert DiBrango was shot and killed during a robbery at a gas station that used to be on the corner of North Genesee Street and Wurz Avenue, where Dunkin' Donuts now stands. Two West Utica youths, Francis Carey, 16, and Bernard Bienkowski, 17, were charged with murder 11 days later and are currently serving prison sentences of 23 years-to-life.

“It was an experience I'll never forget, and it was a tragic homicide that never needed to happen,” Stemmer said. “That type of crime was very uncommon, and it spread fear through the community that someone would take someone's life so needlessly.”

It's cases like that and their unanswered questions that really haunt police officers until there's closure, Stemmer said.

“But you never give up,” Stemmer spoke in his distinctly gritty and gravely voice.

Of the many lessons Stemmer has learned in law enforcement, there is one slice of insight he hopes every officer comes to realize throughout their own career.

“When times get rough, and when you might have doubts about yourself, remember the pride you had when you became a police officer, and you'll find the courage to do the right thing,” Stemmer said. “You face many challenges and decisions when making an arrest, or decisions on the course of action in an investigation, or decisions that could affect other people. But if you're uncomfortable at times, just remember that you're charged with enforcing the law and protecting the people.”

Treat people fairly
Treat everyone with respect, no matter whom they are, Utica police Lt. David Mickle remembers Stemmer emphasizing during the 16 years Mickle has been with the department.

“He's always stressed the importance to young officers of treating people fairly and professionally, even in difficult situations,” said Mickle, who now heads the department's Professional Standards Unit.

Stemmer still doesn't forget how proud he felt upon joining the department at age 21 after serving with the National Guard and U.S. Army.

“You tend to think of your years as a patrol officer as probably the most enjoyable in your mind,” Stemmer said. “There was never a dull day you didn't enjoy coming to work. You had your youth, and your energy was at its maximum peak, so you were extremely anxious to learn and try new things.”

Job has changed
Stemmer patrolled the Cornhill area for seven years before becoming an investigator in the 1970s. He then became deputy chief in 2000 upon Nicholas Yagey's retirement from the position.

In the decades since Stemmer was a patrolman, there has been a gradual trend of more street violence and disrespect toward law enforcement.

“I think you've seen a definite change in the family structure of people in Utica,” Stemmer said. “When you break down family values, so does respect for law enforcement, teachers or humans in general. And in my mind, I think that's a good part of the problem.”

Because Stemmer's hardened wisdom often allowed him to see the bigger picture, he has been invaluable to the department, Utica police Chief C. Allen Pylman said.

“He brought a historical perspective that very few people understand; things repeat themselves, and he sees them,” Pylman said. “And he always urged me to think things out longer than maybe I would normally do.”

When Utica police Officer Thomas Lindsey was killed one year ago in April, however, that was one experience Stemmer shared for the first time with the rest of the department.

“A police officer always knows the potential is always there for a sudden violent death, but it's never easy to accept,” Stemmer said. “This just brought it very close to our door, and you feel the potential of danger obviously has evolved — now it actually did occur.”

Stemmer's deputy chief position will be eliminated through attrition, but it remains unclear whether Stemmer still will play any role with the department.

“I'll probably look to keep myself busy in some form of part-time pursuit, but I haven't totally decided that yet,” Stemmer said.